20 Powerful Lessons I Learned from Oprah About Success
15 Nov 2013
Oprah is one of my favorite celebrities to watch. From the conclusion of her #1-rated network show to the launch of her OWN network in 2011, she has found a formula for success that has made her a household name. As I was watching her newest shows one Saturday afternoon, I had to ask myself: What is it that makes Oprah Winfrey so appealing to the masses? What is that "thing" she has?
So I sat down and took notes during a self-induced OWN network-binge and observed that it wasn't just one thing that has made this talk-show icon a success, it's a number of things that she does well—consistently. And here are my Top 20 Lessons on Success from Oprah:
- Keep it real. Be authentic.
- Connect and care about your audience.
- Love what you do and do what you love.
- Don’t be afraid to show vulnerability.
- Be a force for change.
- Hire people who are smart, creative and fit your company culture. They will become your Brand Ambassadors.
- Be comfortable in your own skin.
- Stay positive.
- Use your influence for good.
- Only put your name on things you believe in.
- Live to give.
- Consciously build your legacy.
- Help others become successful.
- Work hard. Play hard.
- Don’t dwell on your mistakes. Use them to improve and move on.
- Live your passion.
- Don’t believe your own hype.
- Personality is everything.
- Be empathetic.
- And finally: Don’t get comfortable. Keep evolving.
We would all do well to incorporate some or all of these lessons into our own personal and professional lives. After all, they’ve worked for Oprah for almost 30 years. She must be doing something right.
What lessons have you learned from the successful people who have powerful brands? Have any of Oprah’s lessons worked for you? Leave your comments below!
Julian B. Kiganda
Julian B. Kiganda is a passionate creative, expert brand builder, published author and founder of Bold & Fearless. A native of Uganda and Rwanda, she has 15+ years of experience as a multicultural design and communications expert. She’s created powerful brands for clients such as the African Union, Turner Construction, and the Freedom House Museum. Julian and her work have been featured in numerous media including: The Washington Post, ABC News, NBC4, FOX5, Associated Press, Communication Arts, Huffington Post, NPR, and ARISE Magazine. In 2014, she co-authored and published her first highly-acclaimed book, “Whose Shoes Are You Wearing? 12 Steps to Uncovering the Woman You Really Want to Be,” and is on a mission to empower women to walk boldly and fearlessly in the shoes God made just for them!
Julian,
I came across your blog yesterday and read a couple of articles which I found very inspiring and authentic. Today, I read this one, and now fully understand why I loved all your articles. Indeed you learnt all the those vital lessons very well and put them to good use. Thank you so much for sharing and inspiring us – I hope I learn and apply some of those lessons to my professional and personal life.
Fi,
Thank you so much for your comment! Our mentors are all around us—even those we may not know personally. I wish you blessings and clarity on your own path of growth and appreciate your joining me on mine.
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